M. Corell

Effect of Water Stress on Salvia officinalis L. Bioproductivity and Its Bioelement Concentrations

Salvia officinalis L. is an aromatic and medicinal species that has medicinal and antioxidative properties. Studying the growth, productivity, and nutrient absorption of this plant under different water regimes is necessary to optimize its cropping techniques. Five irrigation regimes (100, 75, 50, 25, and 0% of ET0) were tested in this trial, through two consecutive years, at two sites during the maximum water-demanding season (June–August period of 2003 and 2004), applied by drip irrigation. The effects of water regimes were tested under extreme climatic conditions (summer in Vega del Guadalquivir, Seville). Data were collected on dry-matter production, mineral nutrition, essential oil production, and the concentrations of bioelements in the airborne organs of the plant to determine the influence of water stress on these indexes. Results showed a significant effect of water regime on dry-matter production, essential oil content, and bioelement concentrations of the plant. Reduced irrigation (from 100% to 0% of ET0) caused a decrease of the dry weight (73% of the commercial production of the plant), essential oil production (69%), and an increase of the nitrogen (N) content of the airborne organs of the plant (15%), together with a decrease of the levels of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) (21, 25, and 10%, respectively). These results confirm that S. officinalis production is limited by availability of water.

Fruit Response to Water-Scarcity Scenarios. Water Relations and Biochemical Changes

Abstract The aim of this chapter is to give a general idea of the fruit response to water-scarcity conditions, paying special attention to fruit water relations modification and fruit composition changes, which are key for fruit quality. The strengths and weaknesses of fruit water relations measurement parameters are discussed. The incidence of some pre- and postharvest fruit physiological disorders related to water stress (cracking, creasing, pitting, splitting, and watercore) was also considered. Current knowledge of water flow in developing fruits, fruit water relations under drought, and the effect of water deficit on fruit quality characteristics, mainly those related to human health, are discussed and new research objectives are proposed. In addition, the need to differentiate the products from deficit-irrigated trees (hydroSOS) from any others on the market is discussed.

Agronomical effects of deficit irrigation in apricot, peach and plum trees

Abstract Stone fruits are some of the most important irrigated crops around the world. Their ability to grow in different environments implies great variations in water needs. This chapter discusses the effect of water restriction on yield and quality of the fruits obtained. The information will provide enough data to make a decision in terms of the most appropriate irrigation management method based on the final commercial product that farmers would need according to the target market. In addition, a discussion about the possibility of using irrigation management with continuous measurement is also included for each species.

Fruit response to water-scarcity and biochemical changes: Water relations and biochemical changes

Abstract The aim of this chapter is to give a general idea of the fruit response to water-scarcity conditions, paying special attention to fruit water relations modification and fruit composition changes, which are key for fruit quality. The strengths and weaknesses of fruit water relations measurement parameters are discussed. The incidence of some pre- and postharvest fruit physiological disorders related to water stress (cracking, creasing, pitting, splitting, and watercore) was also considered. Current knowledge of water flow in developing fruits, fruit water relations under drought, and the effect of water deficit on fruit quality characteristics, mainly those related to human health, are discussed and new research objectives are proposed. In addition, the need to differentiate the products from deficit-irrigated trees (hydroSOS) from any others on the market is discussed.

Effect of Spanish-style processing on the quality attributes of HydroSOStainable green olives: Effect of Spanish-style processing on the quality attributes of HydroSOStainable green olives

BACKGROUND Three treatments of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) were assayed on olive trees for table olive production. RDI provides hydroSOStainable crops. The effect of RDI treatments on the quality of raw and table olives was determined based on their: weight, pit weight, fruit/pit ratio, size, texture, colour, mineral content, antioxidant activity, total phenol content and organic acid and sugar profile. RESULTS HydroSOStainable olives showed the most attractive shape and colour: highest fruit weight, roundest fruit, hardest texture and a lightest and greenest colour than control olives. Minerals, antioxidants, phenols and organic acids and sugars of hydroSOStainable olives were similar to control olives. After processing to table olives, calcium, potassium, antioxidants and phenols contents decreased, whereas sugars and organic acids profiles changed in both types of olives. CONCLUSIONS HydroSOStainable table olives offer environmental and quality advantages over control olives given the reduced use of fresh water and favourable morphological traits, which are more attractive for consumers.